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The 1930s were the highpoint for American student activism until the emergence of the New Left in the 1960s. During thirties
a greater percentage of the student population was invovled in political activities than at any other, including the 1960s.
Fueling this activity were several developments: the social and economic conditions of the Depression era; reaction to the
rise of fascism in Europe; and political repression at home, particularly against Leftist groups. Leadership of campus activism
in the 1930s typically came from the ranks of the Communist or Socialist parties - groups such as the National Student League
and the American Student Union. However, on the whole, the ideological convictions of these groups did not have a deep impact
on the rank and file. Students lacked faith in capitalislm, but this disillusionment did not translate into a coherent program
committed to overthrowning the System. The 1930s witnessed little opposition to the social norms of the time or rebellion
against middle class values. Although freedom of speech and academic freedoms were issues on occasion, educational reform
was never a major concern. Neither were civil rights for Black and other minorities. Far and away, the major issue of the
1930s was the threat of war; antiwar activism dominated the campuses.